Delta Air Lines and the National Basketball Association have been given the green light to upgrade the fleet of charter aircraft used for team transport. Upgrade coming soon In 2015, Delta Air Lines and the National Basketball Association (NBA) signed a deal to charter teams throughout the season. At the signing, it was announced that Delta would use Boeing 757s for the charters and would transport as many as 27 teams.
Since the deal was first signed, Delta has been using those aging 757s, some of which have now passed 30 years of age. According to Airline Geeks , Delta and the NBA have received approval to upgrade the charter fleet. There were reports online about one month ago that this would take place, but the Department of Transportation (DOT) had not given the green light.
Now, the regulatory agency has approved the change in the agreement. The revised agreement includes up to 14 Airbus A321neo aircraft, which Delta has selected as a key part of its fleet renewal. In a letter written to one of the legal representatives for the deal, Benjamin J.
Taylor, Director of the Office of International Aviation, said, "Our approval of this request is based on our understanding of the specific facts stated above and in your letter of July 23, 2024, and on our further understanding that, for in-season team operations, only members, staff, and guests of the Participating Teams will be transported on the flights and no passenger will be charged for the flights unless specifically auth.
